By CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI—No fewer than 12 pensioners collapsed, yesterday, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Complex, Owerri, Imo State, during a meeting with Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The collapsed pensioners were, however, revived by Red Cross officials and, thereafter, rushed to the hospital for more medical attention.

Pensioners from across the state were at the stadium to collect arrears of unpaid pension.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, told Vanguard, in a telephone interview, that “the senior citizens were paid on the spot, while those who could not make it to the stadium were asked to approach the sub-treasuries in their council areas.”

Earlier, Okorocha had told the pensioners that he was unhappy that the unpaid three-month arrears were inherited from the Achike Udenwa’s administration.

He said every July 18 will be celebrated as “Pensioners Day” in the state, promising that all outstanding pensions must be paid by his government.

Okorocha donated a bus to the state branch of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, and a car to the chairman of Imo NUP.